Don’t be a victim of IRS imposter scams

Imposter scams that lead to tax fraud and identity theft increase during tax season. Take steps to avoid common tax scams that can wreak havoc on your financial well-being.

Scam #1: Fake IRS tax notice

What is it?
This new scam is a form of phishing, an attempt to obtain a payment or sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and account details by impersonating a reputable company via email, text message, phone call, or social media. Once obtained, your personal or financial information can be used to access your account and steal money.

In this scam, you receive a fake IRS CP2000 notice via email or U.S. mail claiming you owe money as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Email “notices” may contain a payment link, which, once clicked, can infect your computer with a virus or lead to spoof websites requesting sensitive information. Mailed “notices” may request a check made out to “I.R.S.” Legitimate CP2000 notices ask taxpayers to make their checks out to “United States Treasury."

Prevention tips:

Never provide passwords, account numbers, or personal information in response to emails or other messages. The IRS does not solicit information via email, text, or social media.

Do not reply to suspicious emails or messages — delete them.

If you are a Wells Fargo customer and respond to a suspicious message by clicking a link, opening an attachment, or providing personal information, call us immediately at 1-866-867-5568.

Scam #2: Identity theft

What is it?
Scammers steal your personal information for illegal or fraudulent activities, like filing a tax return in your name.

Prevention tips:

Use a unique username and password for tax filing software, and update them at least annually.

Do not share your Social Security number with others unless absolutely necessary.

Shred sensitive documents before discarding.

Avoid storing personal information on your mobile devices.

Review your credit report every year to confirm that the list of credit accounts is accurate. You can receive a free copy of your report every 12 months from each of the credit reporting agencies as well as AnnualCreditReport.com.

Scam #3: Fraudulent phone calls

What are they?
Scammers, posing as the IRS, call claiming you owe taxes or are due a refund.

Prevention tips:
Be wary of discussing financial information if the caller:

Appears legitimate by sharing the last four digits of your Social Security number or other identifiable information

To help protect yourself, never provide information to someone who calls or emails you first. Instead, contact the IRS directly to confirm the validity of the request. If you think it is a scam, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

Know that the IRS will not:

Ask you to pay using a gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer

Threaten to immediately have you arrested or deported for not paying

Initiate contact with you by email or through social media.

Request sensitive information by email, texts, or social media.

If you fall for a tax scam

Take action immediately:

File a complaint using the FTC Complaint Assistant; choose “Other” and then “Imposter Scams.” If the complaint involves someone impersonating the IRS, include the words “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.